Arjuna Draupadi SS: Lights, Camera, Action!!!(Part 12 up!) - Page 31

Originally posted by: swathiinduru

Hey dear its awesome asusual👏 loved bonding between krish diya . Loved arjun and diya here so arch enemies karan arjun r frds here😳 wat abt other pandavas dear r u going to show them also.waiting for the update of ur other story also lots of love swathi

Originally posted by: LiveYourDream

Brilliant as usual Navu

You have captured Diya"s apprehensions before meeting her in-laws so well

And the camaraderie between the close friends is really a pleasure to read and experience

And the meeting finally... How could they not love her! Very well written complete with the slightly nosey but perceptive and loving grandmother! Nice touch giving the mil a profession.

And ending with a bout of passion... Perfect!!

Now for the baby shower😊

Originally posted by: Nonie12345

Wonderful chapter Navika😊

Nice to see Karan' and Arjun talking like friends

Loved the meeting of diya with Arjun's family❤️

Originally posted by: aanvi98

Okay this is very long... i need time to read it!! So a res...

Unres

Okay what should i say.. i am speechless...😆 this is just just just awesome!!!

Your waved of words u know... this is just unbeatable!!

Loved the fat cute fun if the panchals! And as usual... my naughty govind!! Woh apna naugtiness kabhi nhi chodenge...😆

Nd again karan arjun fight...😆 lol... mere karan arjun ayenge!!!

But who is kabir??😕

Nd thn finally diya meeting with arjun's family... i was picturing only one thing with two persons at same situation... u know what i mean... ahem ahem...😉 u know... ur ff is so relatable with... with... some ahem ahems...😉

Nd so cute of pritha!! Aww! Nd his nani is also so cute! So happy tht they r now one family of course without ny haddi!!😆 just hope everything gets clear between ardi... well, this matches, isn't it!!

Nd the last part was so...☺️ better not to talk abt it...☺️

All over this was super big nd super good with super theme!!😃

Love

Anu

Originally posted by: Radhikerani

This was wonderful! Her apprehension was just too sweetly portrayed! The Arjun-Krish-Karan convo. was so deliciously filled with sarcasm!

Originally posted by: Linsie

Well written update..
beautiful
thanks for the pm...

Originally posted by: ltelidevara

Best writer of the Forum! You bowled me over again. Take a bow.

Part 12 - The Clandestine Affair

The sparkle of the fairy lights illuminated every nook and corner of the house. The intermingled fragrance of the flowers filled the air like sprayed perfume. The soft notes of the soothing music were working as a relaxant to any restless minds, mixing with the joyous sound of laughter, and adding to festivity of the atmosphere.

Her eyes followed the red coloured carpet and trailed up the grand Mahogany staircase, towards the landing of the first floor, and Diya noticed the way the strings of flowers had been curled around the parapet and the railing, resembling creepers. An involuntary sigh escaped her lips, sheer joy filling her heart as her gaze swept across the swing beside the staircase where her sister-in-law sat blushing, both her hands placed on her protruding belly as a subconscious protective gesture.

Rukmani looked absolutely radiant, her twinkling eyes bright with beatitude as she accepted every wish wholeheartedly. The rich emerald of the designer lehenga she had especially chosen for her accentuated the glowing features of the mother-to-be and the jasmine fixed generously in her braided hair added a wonderful contrast to the bright hue of the garment. Even when another one of the women came and whispered something into her ear, Diya's eyes remained fixed at her bhabhi, the beautiful woman who had given them the occasion to celebrate, and who was about to bring a bundle of joy into their lives.

The smile on her face gave away close to nothing, but to Diya, she was an open book. She started walking towards the swing as soon as she caught the tired, wandering eyes and the slight shifting in position. Politely smiling towards the last of the ladies and asking them to proceed to the buffet, she adjusted the cushions behind Rukmani and then went and took her position on one of the few Divans.

"Tired?"

Rukmani shook her head and then stretching her legs replied, "Exhausted, actually."

Both of them laughed together, but Diya paused suddenly, concern washing over her, "Was the lehenga too heavy?"

"Uff", Rukmani shook her head, letting out a huff, "I have worn heavier clothes Diya, this is nothing compared to those. And honestly, I couldn't have chosen something more beautiful for myself, considering everything happened in such a hurry."

Relaxing, Diya smiled at her and then turned to the side, her eyes settling on the four older women. She could easily feel her masi's happiness, and her excitement at being about to have a grandchild as she gushed about the soon-to-be born baby to Arjun's grandmother, who listened to her with child-like enthusiasm. Dai ma's animated expressions too gave away her infectious zeal to welcome the new addition in the family. She was showing the little yellow booties and mittens she had woven for the baby to Arjun's mother who nodded in appreciation, looking at them in awe.

Rukmani observed as Diya smiled away at the scene in front of her and placed her hand on her shoulder, "All of them are so happy, aren't they? Maa was almost shivering with excitement in the morning today", she guffawed and then after a pause continued in a low voice, "Diyu I am surprised they made it."

"You have given them that happiness bhabhi, and of course bhai has a little hand too. And I invited them both, they are family", she replied nonchalantly.

Before a surprised Rukmani could react, her husband came and stood in front of her, blocking her view of Diya, "I see my wife hasn't missed me. But I know my baby has, right kiddo?"

Krish placed her hand on her bump, settling beside her on the swing, "So what did the ladies tell you in your ear?"

"The usual. I am actually tired of hearing about giving birth to a healthy baby just like its father", she rolled her eyes before continuing, "My baby is going to be just like me and don't you use your wit with me. Just agree because I am really not in the best of my pregnant moods."

"Wouldn't dream of saying anything else", he quickly replied, raising his hands in mock surrender which made both the women chuckle.

"Good."

Krish then turned to Diya, "By the way, the party will be over soon. You can wait upstairs for you-know-who. The train has left the station", he winked.

Lost in thought as she caught upon the meaning of his words, Diya stood up and started walking over to the other side of the hall while the husband and wife indulged in their playful banter.

The bar was on the other side and had been extended up to the vast backyard which had been separated by a thin film of gold net. The who's who of the film industry had been invited for the baby shower and media persons had swarmed outside the main gates of the Yadav mansion, their cameras flashing away as sleek, expensive cars slid swiftly through the driveway. Even now, when it was late into the party, a few were sneaking around, in the hope of hunting what they could present as a juicy piece of gossip. They needed it to fill their pages other than the glamorous page three.

They had all expected this kind of a hullabaloo and so, it had been a mutual decision between the two of them that Arjun would arrive only after everyone would have left. But as she walked towards the bar, air kissing a number of people absentmindedly and trying to plaster a smile on her face, she felt a void inside her heart. After their visit to his house, their relationship had been progressing in a positive way. He had not given her a chance to complain about anything, not that she was meaning to and even when they had all been busy in making arrangements for the baby shower, he had given his inputs and as time had passed, he had become a significant part of their close-knit family.

She knew she missed him, that she needed him with her in the gathering where not everyone was what they looked like. Yes, there people she could genuinely call friends but it was a term which was subjective when it came to her field of work. Some feet away from her, she could see Karan and Ananya snuggling into each other, but she averted her gaze only for it to land directly on Dhruv and Shriya. They weren't displaying their affections publicly, but their soft features and barely touching hands made a pang originate in her chest.

It was late in the evening, and yet there was light in the sky. Clouds were rolling in the vast expanse, the sun had just set, making the blue hue of the sky merge into a bright orange and give way to a purple. A balmy breeze was blowing softly through the air but Diya decided that she needed some warm liquid gushing down her throat to give rest to her restless heart. Pinching the stem of the glass of Sangria, she went over and sat on one of the stone benches on the lawn, silently watching the interactions of the few people who were left from afar while taking slow sips. She had always enjoyed the tang of the particular wine along with the cut pieces of fruits which enhanced its flavour.

As she continued sipping, lost in the memories of a recent dinner with him Diya was unexpectedly brought out of her reverie by a clearly unsubtle cough. Immediately, her head jerked up and she looked straight into the glinting green eyes of Farhad Khan. She was surprised that he was one of the few guests who still hadn't left. He was a self absorbed man who carried himself with an unnecessarily overt sense of confidence though he was only in the industry because of his older brother Imtiaz Khan. The latter was one of the most humble people she had encountered, with a supreme intellect to boast of, though it was his wit and sense of humour which had led to the initiation of their first conversation while they had been working on a film with an ensemble cast.

However, his younger brother was notorious for his philandering ways. Ever since the first time they had met at the wrap up party of a film she had been shooting, she had known that he was interested in her. She had refused his advances every time but he had deliberately acted oblivious and had engaged in a very public brawl with Arjun for the same reason, which had officialised their relationship in front of the media over three years ago. Rolling her eyes, she wished he was here as an uninvited Farhad sat on the bench next to her.

"Ah Miss Panchal what a pleasure to have you here."

"You do realise you are on my brother's property, Farhad", she replied incredulously, shifting away.

"Of course. What I meant was that it is good to see you in the social scene again."

"I never really disappeared, in my memory of events."

"Yes but I have heard something about romance on the sets of your recent Vyas film," he smirked, changing the subject.

When she remained indifferent, not replying he continued after fruitlessly searching her blank eyes for a flicker of emotion, "You know the birds are chirping again."

"Because it is time for sunset, and they will soon lose their vision, like you have lost your mind to nonsense. But it's not like I am answerable to you."

"Oh so that means the gossip is true?"

Diya was starting to feel incredibly uncomfortable under his leering gaze. She didn't want to be anywhere near him, especially when the traces of light were starting to leave the sky. Deciding she had had enough, she started to walk away when she felt her hand being gripped roughly. Immediately, she turned around, her eyes blazing fire.

"What the f--"

"Relax Diya. I was just talking to you in a very civil manner. Why do you and that ASK have to make such a big deal out of it. It's a good thing he isn't here today, and that leaves us alone."

Farhad sneered, his face twitching into a malicious expression as he walked closer, twisting her hand while she wriggled in his hold. The glass of wine dropped from her hand, spilling the dark liquid onto the fresh grass. She knew she could raise her voice and there would be a string of people to get him off of her but too proud for that, she lifted her hand, intending on marking his face with her five fingers when she paused hearing a familiar husky voice, "Who says ASK isn't here today?"

Instead of turning towards the source of the voice, she faced Farhad whose face was rapidly changing colour, his fingers leaving her hand as if burnt. His touch had made her feel sick to the stomach but before stepping back, she raised her hand, slapping him across the face before slashing her hair as she jerked her head and strode towards Arjun. His eyes were narrowed dangerously, and he had a dark expression on his face, standing tall with his jaw clenched and his fingernails digging into his hands.

Arjun wasn't even looking at her, his hazel eyes simmering with wrath; the slight outline of green that became pronounced due to his rage was acutely visible to her as he stood in the direct light of a garden lamp. She deliberately covered Arjun's view of Farhad, and yet his eyes remained distant, the fire not relaxing in them. But when she placed her hand on his shoulder, she saw his eyes soften. She knew he wouldn't let it go, but she needed to stop him before he broke Farhad's jaw in his utter rage and there was a great probability of it happening.

"Arjun leave him for a second and focus on me, here."

When he did not respond, the flicker in his eyes her only sign to continue, she did, "There wasn't anything that he could possibly do. And I did handle him but let's go and talk inside."

Diya was expecting a response then, and it did come but from behind him, "Arjun, Diya is right you both go inside and talk. Everything else will be taken care of."

Both of them turned around simultaneously and Diya noticed that the fire she had witnessed in Arjun's eyes before was now being reflected in those of the father-son duo in front of her. On an instinct, she curled her fingers around his and dragged him for a few steps before he finally made an effort, and even in his eventual steady gait she could feel his reluctance. Before turning towards the patio and entering the warm house she hugged her masu, silently thanking him while he shook his head in response, and she could almost hear his strong voice admonishing her for saying that through his action.

But as they entered the house through the partition, she observed that all the guests had left and she caught sight of no one from the family which she figured must have prompted Vasudev and Krish to look for her, while the others went to their rooms to rest. But all rational thought left her as they crossed the deserted hallway and Arjun took the lead before they started climbing up the stairs to the first floor.

The urgency in his steps made her curious but she remained silent, not wanting him to react. He knew his way around the house, so Diya wasn't surprised when he pulled her into the room which had been hers since their childhood. A brief memory if the three of them and Karan playing together in the huge lawn came to her in a blurred vignette. She was flashing her gap toothed smile as she sat on the swing watching the boys play with their Hot Wheels. Lost in her memories, she didn't realise when he bolted the door, and turned to her, only coming back to reality when she felt his fingers on her arm and his piercing gaze on her.

"Why the hell wouldn't you call out to somebody when that bas***d's intent was clearly visible in his expression?" His voice was low, and had a steely edge to it, but it only worked to rile her up.

"I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself and he couldn't probably do anything there", anger lacing her words.

"Yeah, right", he ran his hand through his hair in frustration before stepping back, "Then I guess I should probably leave because you are so happy with me not around."

"Fine", she hissed, but stepped forward.

The air was charged with tension, and his reaction to her made the intensity of it more palpable.

"Fine, I'll go then."

They took a step towards each other simultaneously and they didn't realise when or how but suddenly, she was in his arms, holding the lapel of his formal shirt and he was tugging at the sheer net on her waist. He pulled at her bottom lip, before he tasted the sweetness that was her. Their tongues were duelling in a battle of crashing passions as they crashed into the wall adjacent to the bed with a thud. He drew her flush against him, pinning her against the wall and her fingers diving into his hair as she traced the contours of his mouth with her overzealous tongue.

They finally came up, gasping for oxygen after their kiss reached its crescendo. His hold tightened around her protectively and she snuggled into him, her palm placed on his chest as she felt his erratic heart beats. Sighing in contentment, she finally whispered, "What made you so mad?"

Arjun knew at once what she was referring to. A part of him knew that Farhad couldn't have possibly harmed her but even the thought of something happening to her due to that lecherous creep, his mind going back to the night when he had punched him across the face, drawing blood from the corner of his mouth when he had hovered over Diya, hoping for an intimate dance. Shuddering at the memory, his arms tightened around her.

"I can't bear for him to be near you. It reminds me of the day I beat him in the nightclub. I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to you", he replied truthfully.

"But nothing did and even if something did happen you never have to blame yourself. In fact, you weren't even connected to any of it."

"I know but I just cannot let anything happen to you, I want to be there for you always. I love you, after all", he smiled charmingly at her.

But even as she smiled at him in response, he noticed her eyes which were clouded with emotion, as if she was fighting an inner battle between her mind and heart, in which her mind was already losing. He knew her well, and he understood her dilemma, patiently waiting for her vocal acceptance of what she had silently acknowledged already.

"Enough with this, tell me where are Nani and Pritha aunty? I didn't see them while coming."

"I called them to the back gate and sent the driver with them when I arrived since it is getting late. They were looking for you but didn't find you. I started searching for you and--" he looked away.

"I'll call them up later and talk to them", she made a mental note to do so, not realising that she had completely diverted his attention from the events earlier in the evening.

"Oh yes, you have found allies in them. They are two very cunning women. All of you will drive me insane."

Arjun braced himself for her reaction, and a reaction it was for she slapped his chest as her eyes rounded, making him chuckle.

"They are nothing but sweethearts and you --"

Diya was poking her finger in his chest and beginning to say something else when they heard the sound of a loud crash ringing through the silence of the house. Instantly, they hurried towards the door, clicking the bolt open and running out. Their faces paled as they saw Rukmani clutching the railing of the stairs, her eyes tightly shut as beads of sweat collected on her forehead and her other hand lay on her stomach. A porcelain vase lay on the floor in pieces, the flowers scattered haphazardly along with the water.

Immediately, Diya cried her name and rushed down the stairs to hold her as she called out every name she could think of, and Arjun followed her behind, already calling the hospital where her suite had been reserved.

"Bhabhi what's wrong?" Diya was supporting Rukmani now, her voice filled with panic even as Arjun helped her.

"The baby..." she panted, "The baby is coming Diya!"

Rukmani cried the last part in pain as another cramp hit her in full force, her nails digging into Arjun's hand, while her scream made the other members of the family rush towards the ground floor.

"Don't worry we'll get you to the hospital soon."

...

About fourteen stressful hours later, Diya stood outside the delivery room, her lips curved into a permanent bright smile. She had been there through the night with her bhabhi, giving her support while she had screamed in pain with each contraction. The look on Rukmani's face had made her aghast and she had felt tears spilling from her eyes while she had put forward a strong front for her dear sister-in-law.

When she had first entered the maternity unit where the doctors had been periodically checking whether Rukmani was dilated enough, she had immediately caught the harried look on Krish's face and had almost laughed out loud when he had declared that he couldn't take it anymore. But one scream from his wife and he had fixed himself on the stool next to her, not getting up for a long time. However, as time had passed, she had noticed his restlessness and a lot many crescent-shaped marks on his arm later; Diya had placed her hand on his shoulder, urging him to go to the canteen while she stayed with Rukmani.

With great difficulty she had sent Arjun back to his house in the wee hours of the morning, lest people from the media get a whiff of the news of Rukmani having been admitted in the hospital. It had been him who had driven them to the hospital and then left with Vasudev and Devaki when she had insisted that all of them take rest. Dhruv and Karan had also left to freshen up while Ananya stayed back and gave Krish company.

But when even at the crack of dawn Krish had not returned and Rukmani had been wheeled into the delivery room, she had started to get upset while Rukmani had held onto her hand, going through the contractions as they started to become stronger and more regular. When the doctor had finally announced that it was time for the next stage, Diya had angrily stalked out after giving the woman in labour a reassuring smile and had found her cousin nervously biting his nails while his legs shook on their own accord. Shaking her head, she had walked over to him.

"You have to go bhai, this is your first born. You cannot miss this and honestly bhabhi is in so much pain", she had crossed her arms against her chest.

"That's what Diya. I can't see her like that."

"But your presence will make it easier for her. Go and hold her hand and I am sure you'll love it when the moment arrives, when you hold your baby in your hands. Plus I never remember seeing you this way, it's a pity I'll have to spill the beans now", her eyes had danced with mirth.

"You wouldn't dare, little one", he had teased back, knowing well how the term irritated her and pulling her close, his hand over her shoulder as they had walked in, "There's no way in the world I am going through this without you."

Another long struggle later, an exhausted Rukmani had finally given her strongest push, her one hand tightly clasped in her husband's while the other in her sister-in-law's as the bespectacled doctor had encouraged her in her kind voice and the newest member of the Yadav family had wailed his way into the world, arriving at a healthy 3.5 kilograms, and with a thick crop of hair, his large deep brown eyes looking around curiously as he warmed up to his mother's embrace.

...

When Diya had called everyone, excitedly informing them about the arrival of her nephew, questions had been shot at her from all directions and she had answered them patiently. She now rubbed her sleep deprived, tired eyes and walked into the suite Rukmani and the baby had been shifted to.

Krish had not left her side since their son had been born, cooing at him and whispering words of love to his wife. There was an atmosphere of domesticity and intimacy around the couple that made Diya's lips lift up in a dazzling smile. They were so much in love even after a decade of being together, their five years of marriage included that it made her heart bloom with hope, not that her masi and masu were any less. Giggling as she thought of the older couple, she walked over to the couple in front and demanded to hold the little guy who had stolen her heart right after coming into her line of vision. It was definitely live at first sight.

Carefully placing her hand to support his neck and the other one under his legs, she lifted him in her arms, cooing at him. Rukmani was whispering the date of her baby's birth which made Diya look up from the face of the now sleeping baby. On their own accord, her eyes turned to Krish whose gaze was fixed directly at her.

The silent communication did not go unnoticed by Rukmani, but before she could interrogate them, Diya rocked the baby as she answered the unasked question, "Don't worry bhai, Arjun has spoken to RV. We are shooting our scenes first since those sets are ready as well and you'll only join us later. He apparently woke RV up at five in the morning. I was just on call with him. He has sent his good wishes to the three of you."

Rukmani's face bloomed as her eyes moved from Diya to Krish, while the latter smiled secretively. They were together observing her, realising that the silly girl had fallen in love and she didn't even realise the true depth of it. It was hard for them to trust Arjun with her, someone whose heart was as delicate as it was strong, and whose love was as pure as the fire in her passionate eyes.

"So are you guys sure then, you've decided the name? I thought the aunt gets to decide it", she pouted comically, making them both laugh.

"You did decide a part of the name Diya", reminded Rukmani.

"Yeah, yeah. Because he is my baby too", she kissed his forehead before whispering,"Welcome to our world my radiant little Pradyam Vasudev Yadav."

TBC

Hope you like it!

Please hit 'like' if you do like!😃

Oh, and I would like to hear your views on our newest entrant. Let's see how vast your imagination runs, do we have suggestions for the little Pradyam? And in continuation with that, the character pictures have been updated on Pg -4